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"Slow Food"
March 28, 2012
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Dear Gardening Bug,
A few years ago at a garden center event in Chicago, I attended a presentation by the president of Slow Food USA. I wasn't familiar with the organization back then, but I was very impressed with the dedication and vision of the young man who spoke.
The goal of Slow Food USA is to encourage the production of safe, healthy food that is locally grown. Since that first spark of interest, Kevin and I have gotten to know a few of the Slow Food chapters here in Florida. As part of our research on hydroponic farms, we attended a Slow Food Orlando event, which included a tour of Heart of Christmas Farm. Next month we're attending another farm tour, sponsored by the First Coast Slow Food chapter in St. Augustine. It's an inspiring organization that has helped to motivate both farmers and consumers.
It was also through Slow Food that Kevin and I came to know of Merritt's Table, a fabulous "farm-to-table" restaurant right here in Brevard County. Our most recent visit there was for Valentine's Day, and our evening was absolutely delightful. The fresh food (the local farms are listed on the menu) and the atmosphere made for one of the best meals I've ever had. So you can imagine our delight when the owner and chef from Merritt's Table came to visit The Farm at Rockledge Gardens this week, and purchased vegetables for the restaurant. We're honored to have some of our produce featured there.
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 Bugs: Good Guys and Bad Guys
One prevalent pest this time of year is the grasshopper. We've been seeing both lubber and American grasshoppers. Both are difficult to control and in many cases, the best technique is "mechanical": squashing them! In their early stages, lubbers can also be controlled with insecticides such as pyrethrin. Birds are natural predators and can help reduce the population. Merrideth recently adopted some chickens at her household, and she says her chicks are crazy about grasshoppers.
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Brevard County Fair
Speaking of chickens ... If you get a chance to visit the Brevard County Fair (which runs through this Sunday, April 1, at Wickham Park), don't miss the chicken tent. I never knew there were so many varieties of chickens, some of them quite amusing to behold. On display in the pavilion are some rain barrels that were painted by various companies and organizations. The impressive winning design was from The Green Marketplace (that's their design, below ... and Aurelia masquerading as a lady bug).  |
This Week's "Garden Treasures"
There's SO much color and beauty at Rockledge Gardens right now, it's hard to describe! Have a look at this week's "garden treasures" here, or, better still, come in and see it all in person!
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Seminar This Saturday: Dormant Fruits for Brevard County
While we typically think of citrus and tropical fruits as the primary crops for our area, there is a nice variety of dormant fruit that does well here too. Blueberries, for one, have been increasing in popularity as people realize just how delicious and healthy this local fruit can be. Others include peaches, apples, persimmons, grapes, figs, and more! Come learn about the best varieties for our climate and how to grow them. Steve will present this informative session at 10 am on Saturday.
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This Week at The Farm
We have baby tomatoes and peppers! We've been watching the blossoms for weeks now (and the plants are loaded!), but now we actually have fruits. We're eagerly anticipating our first harvest of tomatoes and peppers in just a few weeks. In the meantime, we are harvesting lots of beans (yellow and green) bok choy, lettuce, squash, onions, and herbs. Remember, the farm stand is open on Friday from 4 to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to noon. We have relocated to the warehouse, where it is cooler (better for the produce AND the people!); we hope to see you there! (And don't forget: just email me to get on our list to receive a "Friends of the Farm" email on Fridays about what's being harvested every week.)
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See you in the garden,
Theresa & Kevin
phone: 321-636-7662 |
| Rockledge Gardens "Quick Links"
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Save on Fruit Trees and Plants
Discover the goodness of growing your own tasty fruit! Bring in this coupon and get 15% off fruit trees or fruit shrubs (dormant or otherwise). |
| Please present coupon. Click here for printable version, or if you don't have a printer, mention coupon 15fruit040712. Coupon good until April 7, 2012.
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